May Pa's soul rest in peace

Best Teacher I ever had. A very good man. Makes me proud to be a son of Mankon. I will be happy to see you in heaven, Sir, God willing. May Almighty God grant you eternal life. Bong felieh, Tah.

Pa Ndenge,
It's taken me a while and I'm still battling with the fact that you've transitioned into eternity. I have countless vivid memories of you but what stood out to me was your devout dedication and participation in online masses in New Jersey USA. Your profound faith was evident in your tremendous selflessness and generosity. I'll never forget the lavish reception you gave us at your residence in Bamenda, hilariously upon our departure you presented us with a full bag of garri and insisted we take to the USA. Papa at the age of 95 amazingly you had it all as you left us all in awe with such a short but brilliant prayer in December 2019 in Douala. In light of such indelible memories, I have decided not to mourn but rather celebrate you papa. Wishing you eternal rest papa. Go well papa, you will sincerely be missed. 

Grandpa, you had a heart of an angel! You were a wonderful father, grandfather...to all that came your way. You will forever be missed!
Rest in peace!

Una is my dear friend from Lourdes and that is how papa came into my life. He was a very gentle and humble man and I can remember hanging around him after mass with Una and other friends. Unlike most fathers at that time, he was witty , funny and one was able to joke with him. He was a present fixture at mass and I could never understand why he felt compelled to come and worship every day because I only went to mass for fear of punishment. I know Una got her smile and playfulness from her DAD. Papa you raised amazing children who are in their own right following in your footsteps by making huge differences in their communities. We thank you for being you and salute you for all the things you did for you community. Papa waka fine and salute mami for us.

Papa, I can't believe that i will never see you again, you had been a backbone to my family and I, you showed me love not only as a boss but as a father and a friend, you always confineded in me despite being my boss, we shared a lot of things till the last moment. I don't know what I will do without you. I will never hear that call " Gerard come and give my food it good for my health ". I will continue to pray for the almighty God to grant you eternal rest and peace Amen.
       Your son,
              Gemuh Gerard .

Grandpa always wanted me to be the best. he saw something in me and I could go far in life. Growing up he helped me with reading and writing like a teacher for me. He helped me grow in life and I know I would not be the person I am now without him. I am going to go far in life because I know he believed in me and he always will. He is looking down and all I want to do is make him proud. You will be loved and missed forever Grandpa. Rest in peace.
Josie-Danielle Lum

Summing up Dad's life, I keep coming back to one thought. Never will you meet a man who faithfully lived his values.
Dad was a teacher of all things. His method was simple. He taught by example. At any stage of my life, when faced with ethical dilemma, after reflection, study or even rationalization, I often find myself coming back to one simple question: what would Dad have done? His character is the foundation of my conscience. He was patient, had an inherent ability to listen, to absorb and to offer a point of view based on quiet, measured wisdom. Dad's teachings are endless and I'll love to share a few.

Dad was strong in body, in spirit and in commitment.

Dad never missed a single day of mass nor his faithful devotion to the Divine Mercy.

Dad never let another man down. He fulfilled every obligation he ever undertook. His word was bond and everyone knew it. I never heard him utter a lie, nor intentionally deceive.

Dad was self made and self reliant. From his education to his teaching career, from his skills in gardening, papa engaged with the world as a man who would be it master.

Dad was proud to be a teacher. He relished the good things of life including writing, travel, food and wine, friends and family.

Dad never made an enemy, not one. While he most surely came across a few people he couldn't countenance, he simply avoided them because he always insisted that violence never solved any problem. He never once hit back another man in anger.

Dad was loyal. His faithfulness to the important people in his life could be seen in the way he steadfastly maintained ties with his childhood friends. From the streets of Bamenda where they grew up, through weddings, christenings, holidays and now wakes and funerals that mark the arc of our lives, Dad could always be counted on to be there.

Dad was never stingy. Though he was a child from a very extensive and complex polygamous home who understood the value of every franc and the importance of saving, the generosity he expressed with his money matches his generosity of spirit.

Dad did everything with moderation. He was responsible to the very end. How many elderly people do you know who can put down their car keys and voluntarily announce that they are no longer fit to drive?

Dad loved a good joke including every imaginable kind of ethic joke. Yet his humour was never mean spirited, nor designed to hurt or humiliate.

Dad adored mum, his kids and especially his grand kids with every bone in his body. His visible affection usually overcame his usual reserve. His unflagging support for our personal development in our various careers and in life created a balance for us that today seems like a lost dream. 

Dad left no stone unturned in moulding us from zero to hero. Only once did I ever see Dad cry. In 1996, when the cold hands of death snatched mum away from us at the blossoming age of 56, while I knew Dad was torn up inside as we were, his crying ceased long before ours did because he knew it was his responsibility to be a rock for us to lean on.

Dad loved his in laws. He visited my home in Douala whenever he could. He had this special relationship with my husband and was always very happy when they chatted on the phone but more especially when together with the kids we visit Bamenda to spend sometime with him. Then, he enabled us build a life full of joy and belonging.

Dad had a quiet dignity, respecting himself the way he respected others. As he faced his final days, his body ravaged with illness, he occasionally lost his good humour. But he never had one moment of self pity. The day he passed onto eternity, we talked that morning on the phone. I felt some tiredness in his voice but as usual he quickly reassured us that he was okay. Helas!

What I learned from Dad is that life is short and often brutal and the best way to combat that is with a good laugh and an ability to appreciate the small moments of joy, despite any circumstances.

We will miss you Dad. Rest in Peace by Mama's side in the bosom of the LORD

ELIMBI MOUDIO Anne Vianney Ndongwa

Douala, 5th May 2021

I have been very reluctant to write this tribute simply because I don't believe papa is gone. I still want to pick up my phone and dial his number. I still believe I will call him to order the special garri he used to order for me when he heard I was coming to Cameroon. However, I am beginning to accept reality but it's still like a dream.

For those who only heard about papa and never got closed to him, you missed someone special. Papa was so special in every aspect. I count myself very fortunate to have known a legend like papa. When I talk of a gentleman, a true and genuine human being who saw everyone around him to be equal, papa is that person. When I talk of someone who understood every situation in life and made life easy for everyone around him, papa was that person. I remember my very first vacation when I visited Cameroon. Papa came to visit me at the Bamenda station and papa gave me 5,000 frs cfa. I asked what the money was for.  Papa said I should use the money for my taxi to move around. I refused and asked papa why he would give me money. I said I was coming from America and should be the one to give him money. Papa forced the money into my hands and said: "You don't have a car to take you around. Take this and pay taxi" I don't know of any father or anyone in Cameroon who would even think of giving money to someone coming from America. I could not think of just one.

Papa, your kindness has taken you up to heaven. You were a father who took your children's friends as your children. My father passed away long time ago and when I met you, you replaced him. I miss stopping by to see you at your big Mankon home when I visit Cameroon. I miss you in America more than anything.  You always came in the summer season and spent time with us. Cameroon without you is empty. Summer without you will never be the same. If I could control our destiny, I would have let you live for another 97 years. However, no one can control that. Papa, beg God to forgive all our sins so we will join you in his heavenly kingdom when our turn comes. We are consoled that you are at peace. You body is gone but your spirit and your legacy live on. Thank you papa for teaching us humility. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Justine Fogam.

I met Mr F.A. Ndenge for the first time in the fifties as a pupil in R C M Mankon (St Joseph School Mankon) where he was my Arithmetic teacher in Standard 6. He was known for his intelligence, integrity and dedication, which he used to prepare many of us for higher education and careers. I remember him then as an outspoken and honest man.

Later on in life I was blessed to work with him in GBHS Bamenda where he was a member of the teaching staff. His fatherly approach to people, devotion to his craft and development of people was very evident and earned him the appellation, “Pa Ndenge “. I was lucky to work with him again in GHS Mankon, where I was Principal at the time, and again, Pa was a pillar in my life, and I benefited a great deal from his wisdom. He was a very caring and understanding person, who took great joy in helping anyone in need. 

Pa Ndenge was a deeply spiritual man. He served for years in the Catholic Men Association Cathedral Parish where he impacted many lives including mine. His impact on society as a whole will be greatly missed .

       MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES


   Sorry fills my heart at this sad moment a sorrow that is deep and personal. The news of the untimely death of papa Alphonsius Forngang Ndenge came as a great shock to me. His departure was sudden unexpected and particularly distressing.
   The character of the life he lived might be summed up in a few words he was sincerely, he was earnest ,he was loyal, he was industrious, he was selfsacrificing.
   He delegated me to represent him at the wedding of his daughter Rita Kien Ndenge in London as l was there in London during this occasion. He was very humourous in decorating me with the traditional red feather cap in the Mankon palace representing the Fon of Mankon . He collaborated with me earnestly in Organising the 50th anniversary of the enthroment of Fo S. A. N. Angwafo lll as the Fon of Mankon .
   Papa Ndenge served as the chairman of Mankon Traditional Council MTC very effectively for over a decade. His services as the chairman of the Mankon Traditional Council were tremendous.
   I extend to you family members,my deepest sympathy. I and his many friends and the Mankon Community will miss him. His passing on grieves me Inexpressibly.
   May his gentle soul rest in peace


                Prof/Sir Ben Fru Wara

Papa, you were such a wonderful Dad. Gone to meet Mama. You showed us so much love when we visited you in Bamenda, l shall always remain grateful.
God needed you back home, cause you had completed your assignment here on earth.
Keep resting Papa, untill we meet to part no more. Bamenda shall never be the same again.
No more Black beans and Potatoes.
It is well with your soul.
Rest in peace Papa.

Papa you have fought a good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. May the good Lord keep you by his bosom. Thank you Papa and greet mammy Ndenge, brother Jude and your friend and brother papa Nkamsi. Papa I am so happy that when you needed the St Joseph fabric to decorate the church we ran helter skelter and succeeded in granting your wish. Today I know St. Joseph has held your hand and you are basking in the glory of our Lord. Adieu Papa. Rest in perfect peace.
Your daughter Gina Nkamsi Akene

Tribute below transfered for Jacinta

Papa, mixed thoughts fill my mind as I ponder over Your transition to glory. I remain thankful to God that none of my thoughts are of Confusion, Anger, Bitterness, Regret, I am only missing you greatly. I celebrate and thank God for your exemplary life, your impact on thousands of Cameroonians. Your memories will always live on.

My greatest Coach, father, friend, confidante. My Mankon encycopedia and archives. Interestingly you acted as our mom, when she left to her heavenly home. I will miss the precious moments we spent together. Papa you had a special charisma of turning my sad moments to laughter. Who will ask again "Jacinta what do you need to cook? I miss your special meals, what you want? Maa'ami where have you been? I have been worried about you. "Boorh na how, you no go call me? " Even at your age, you saw my missed calls without glasses. What an Amazing grace.

I have never had someone who just loved having me around always. Papa you spoiled us, even at our age you will still go to the travel agency to send some food from Bda. What a rare father!

You had prepared to meet with your creator and heavenly Father. You knew your time was up, after a ripeful age of 97 And you put things in order.

Father I am astonished by your unique, pure, giving and sacrificial love for people. Your words will continue to echo in my heart " Jacinta If I go me now, no problem. I am happy I have seen you again" . You gave books to your little girl Cecilia, as a "Souvenir from Grandpa" She says will keep them in Remembrance of you. Death did not take you like a thief, you were ever ready for the Master JESUS CHRIST to take you to your heavenly mansion. O death where is thy stink?

A wise, honest, truthful and a pious man. Lover of peace. Papa you fought a good fight and finished your race on earth. Those who truly encountered you, will want to be like You. Papa your memories will never fade. May your soul Rest in Perfect Peace.

#Jacinta, (Maa'ami)

Papa has been one I had always admired. A simple and an exemplary man. His life on earth should be as a guide to us behind. May your soul rest in the peaceful bosom of the Lord.

I met with Papa Ndenge for the very first time some time about the mid 1979 when he was in the process of handing over his very beautiful daughter in marriage to an illustrious son and prince of the Mambuh-Mankon chiefdom; our icon in the family-first Mankonian to become a medical doctor.
Then I became very very close to Papa Ndenge as that beautiful daughter of his, mothered and nurtured me including a couple of us teenagers in that large family at the time from teenage hood to maturity.
I loved Pa Ndenge from the manner he conducted himself around the Mankon community. He was always the smiling person and never never associated himself with anger regardless of the circumstance, same with the wife, late Mama Agnes Mary Ndenge.
I saw an exemplary couple in my life. They were so loving, caring and kind in nature. Papa Ndenge has left behind a great and rich admirable legacy in the academia and in the Mankon community. Your good manners Papa, will never escape my memory. You were an object of admiration, you were a role model, your were an icon worth reckoning with. You have done the best things during your entire life time an ideal person should.
Rest in the Lord's bosom in absolute peace.
We shall all enjoy your smiles again some day and will never miss them as we do today again.
Adieu Papa.
Augustine Kondje Tanikvu Azufor.

I met Pa. Ndenge and the family through my late Uncle and Auntie Mr. & Mrs. Charles Nforbin. My Uncle and the wife were Pa. & Ma Ndenge's colleagues teaching at the Big Mankon Catholic Primary School in the 70s.
Every Sunday after church service Pa & Ma Ndenge will warmly invite my family to their home for breakfast or lunch.
In the 80s, I met Una and Sister Rel Ndenge here in New York where we bonded again. Pa visited from Cameroon many times and as always, he brought that warm smile, love and welcomes all Una's friends.
Pa Ndenge was an inspirational person who touched many lives educationally, traditionally, culturally and most importantly he was a staunch catholic and so are his children.

Pa, we will miss you and may your gentle soul rest in peace.

To the Ndenge's family, our sincere condolences and may God grant you the strength to handle and recover from the loss of Pa and carry on with his Legacy.

Papa lived a blessed exemplary life, raising a beautiful family and providing an atmosphere of love, joy and a fear of God. That is how his beautiful daughter, my loving friend and sister Una, came into my life. Together with Una I stopped at home many times from Lourdes and was always welcomed by Mama and Papa's beautiful, warm and gentle smile and I felt like a daughter.

Papa along with Una and her loving family, visited us in Connecticut in 2004, and many times after that. I particularly remembered that his first encounter with my husband and mother-in-law was so comfortable as if he had always known them. My husband always enjoyed meeting and conversing with him. He was the ever loving father I remembered in our Lourdes days. We spent some memorable time together, which I cherish. He gave us advice and shared many wisdom. His laughter and beautiful smile was always present (Una carries this smile and my sister refers to Una as "laughing eyes".

My parents also knew and liked Papa Ndenge and the entire family. My mother recounted fondly her respect for Papa Ndenge especially as she remembered being a student of Mama Ndenge in "Big Mankon". She is grateful for all she learned from Mama which she carried throughout her life.

Papa set a great example for all to learn and follow. He lived a good life, and has now gone to rest. Papa is dearly missed. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
I pray for comfort to the entire family.

             A Tribute to Pa Forngang Aphonsus Ndenge

     It’s true that we all are sojourners in this beautiful world where the duration is a mystery of God Almighty. At the appointed minute, a personal invitation is served on the concerned for eternity by the heavenly jingle bells, whose symphony is an anaesthesia to eternity, the melting pot where all earthly challenges and headaches are consumed to give everlasting life in joy, happiness, freedom, glory, and praises to God Almighty.

     Mr. Chairman M.T.C.(Mankon Traditional Council) and Nkum Kwifor, we knew that you had to retire to your Creator, but you hid it from us. Your sudden exit is heartbreaking and caused disaster, panic, and confusion. You forgot to hand in your handing over notes. Where is the Encylopedia of the Mankon Culture and Tradition, what about the Mankon Museum which you worked tirelessly for its realisation, the preparation of the Annual Royal Calendar of activities: Pilgrimages to the Palace of Alankie for the Fon to go and commune with the Mankon Ancestors to lavish on the Mankon people; peace and prosperity, growth of the population through fertility, good yield of crops, protection from any epidemic, abundant heavenly blessings, the Annual Royal Dance (Abengfor), and many other burning issues.

     Yes, you have finished the Traditional and Cultural Festivals marking the exit of Fon Ndefru III, the 50th Anniversary of the ascension of Fon Angwafo III S.A.N., to the Mankon throne on April 4th, 1959, the voluminous file on the creation of the over 70 quarter councils by the Mankon Traditional Council, several land disputes/arbitrations, disenclavement of many quarters in Mankon, the supply of potable water, construction of bridges and culverts, Fundraising by M.T.C. for more development projects in Mankon, etc. You did much but much is still to be done, but... You were on retirement, but not yet tired because you remained a consultant and researcher in Mankon culture and tradition, teacher training, and rural signs.

     As M.T.C. chairman you represented the Fon and we accompanied the Fon on missions to brotherly Fondoms for various ceremonies, the enthronement of new Fons, cultural, traditional and other festivals. We equally accompanied to him to many places such as Buea, Limbe, Mutengene, Tiko, Douala, Yaounde, Banwa, Bandjoun, Dschang, etc. for Mankon Cultural and Development Association (MACUDA) cultural and traditional festivals. To ensure hitch-free missions, they were minisciously prepared and always registered the expected results: resounding success.

     Mr. Chairman of M.T.C., your age, notwithstanding, you were energetic, performant, indefatigable, and up to the task. You were kind, friendly, generous, fatherly, humorous, and a good mixer with people of all ages and social strata. Your doors were ever ajar to all and sundry.
Mr. Chairman, I served you as your personal assistant very diligently and without reservation. On this note, may therefore I request you to do me a favour by constantly interceding for those you have left behind: your dear family, your friends, and Mankon Fondom, for peace, love, unity, and abundant blessings from God Almighty to reign amongst them.

     Finally, we want to tell Pa A.F. Ndenge, Nkum Kwifor, that we love you and will miss you forever! You have been a great gift and a wonderful asset to Mankon Fondom and the state of Cameroon. We have to thank God and accept His verdict as final and unquestionable. Mr. Chairman, as you negotiate the last turn into the land of glory and perfection, we pray God Almighty in whom you invested all your life, loved, served, and worshipped, that in His infinite love and mercy, should be gracious and merciful to you and grant you perfect peaceful rest in His Everlasting Kingdom.
Mr. Chairman of M.T.C., my mentor fare ye well - R.I.P.
              Sanjou-Tadzong Abel Ndeh
              Adviser to M.T.C.

I was never fortunate to meet Pa Ndenge while he was alive. However, I met the daughter, sister Rel Ndenge in Yaounde in the early 80,s and also met another daughter, Una in the mid 80,s in New York. Being lucky to meet these nice sisters and the way they carry their selves over the years, could testify the type of person Pa Ndenge was. I believe Pa Ndenge was a very peaceful and respectful. We thank God for his long life on Earth. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May Pa Ndenge,s soul rest in perfect peace with the Lord.

I met Una in 1974 in Girls School, Mankon and we quickly became friends. Her house was next door to our school, so I would sometimes go home with her for ‘long break’.
When Mamie or Pa happened to be home from work when I dropped by, they always welcomed me warmly and would ask about my own parents. Although the little girl in me assumed it was normal for all parents to know each other, that was not the case here.
I later learned from my mom, Mamie Chilla, that she actually had a special bond with the Ndenges because Mamie Ndenge was her ‘small’ in college, back in the day in Nigeria.
And so I knew to be on my best behavior whenever I was around Mamie and Pa Ndenge.
Growing up, I ran into them everywhere within the Big Mankon vicinity - in church, in the streets, at their home when I visited Una, and sometimes in school. I always received the same warm acknowledgment from them.
I so admired this God-fearing, humble and hard working couple; my friend’s parents, my mother’s ‘small’.
The years have gone by and today, Pa has returned to his maker. Yes, Big Mankon will be empty and strange without Pa, but I know there is joy in heaven, for Pa is home; reunited with Mamie and all those who transitioned before him.
May the family Pa has left behind be comforted in the knowledge that he is now resting in the Lord.

Juliette Chilla Wangia.

If you can keep your head when all about you 
  Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, 
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
  But make allowance for their doubting too; 
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
  Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
  And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; 
  If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; 
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
  And treat those two impostors just the same; 
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
  Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
  And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
  And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
  And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
  To serve your turn long after they are gone, 
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
  Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, 
  Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
  If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
  With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, 
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, 
  And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Dear Papa,
You will be surely missed.
May your soul transition in peace.
We love and miss you but your memories and spirit is with us forever.

Pa Forngang Alphonsus Ndenge, departed to Eternity on Saturday 27/02/2021, at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, at the ripe age of 97!

Pa Forngang Alphonsus Ndenge had lived a full and blissful life. He has deeply influenced the lives of multiple generations. He was a teacher, agronomist, community leader, adviser, mentor, writer, researcher, guardian of Mankon tradition, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and family head. Many of his students remember his great sense of humour, as well as the rigour and passion with which he dealt his class lessons.

We are inviting you to use this website to post any tributes, stories, words of sympathy, encouragements and prayers in relation to our fallen monument, our baobab tree.